12 Rusa Deer Sent to New Caledonia in 1870 Multiplied to 370,000

In 1870, Java's governor gifted 12 rusa deer to New Caledonia, a French South Pacific island. A 2024 study found all island deer descend from these founders, with population estimates between 250,000 and 370,000 by 2011. The deer rapidly expanded, threatening native plants that evolved without grazing animals. They now inhabit nearly all habitats on Grande Terre, especially savannas and dry forests.

Tip: use ↑ / ↓ (or j / k) to move between stories.